England: Cole Palmer urged to challenge Chelsea despite international withdrawal
Cole Palmer’s withdrawal from the England squad has sparked a debate in the country. Former player Jamie O’Hara believes the Chelsea midfielder should take control of his sporting choices and not automatically accept his club’s recommendations when it comes to representing the national team.
SUMMARY
Palmer is one of five players removed from the England squad ahead of the Nations League matches. Chelsea cited a minor injury and the management of his workload, following a previous season disrupted by several physical issues.
On talkSPORT, Jamie O’Hara strongly criticized this caution. He argued that Palmer should be able to tell his club that he wants to join the national team when he feels fit to play.
The former Tottenham midfielder believes that Premier League clubs are now excessively protecting their players. He referred to this trend as a “league of babies.”
Five withdrawals ahead of England’s return
Cole Palmer is not the only absentee. Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Tino Livramento have also left the England squad due to various physical issues.
Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner have been called up as replacements, while Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha have also joined the squad.
England is set to kick off its Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley this Friday, September 26, before facing the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Palmer had scored four goals and provided two assists in his first seven appearances of the season with Chelsea prior to this international window.
Comments